Design Challenge
STEM Arcade

Program Overview

Learning through play can be a powerful method for understanding difficult concepts. In this design challenge, students will create an arcade game that demonstrates a STEM principle for a younger audience.

Year Level

Year 7-12

Prework

5-7 Hours

Duration

Term 1 - 4

Days

2 Days

Capacity

50 students
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More Information:

If you would like more information about this program, drop us a line at:

banyulenillumbikts@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au
9269 1057

Industry Focus

Software Icon
Scientific and Technical

Industry Partner

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Over the two-day program, students take on the role of game designers, use emerging technology to program custom games, design unique controllers and build cabinets that create an engaging experience for primary school students.

During in-school pre-work, students unpack STEM concepts and consider the importance of good scientific literacy. Students will also investigate the expansion of the video game industry and its STEM careers. Class discussions and participation in learning activities will provide insight into the fundamentals of good game design – game loops, core mechanics, immersion, challenge and interaction.

Students will have the opportunity to create their prototypes using a range of emerging technologies, including programming using Make Code, 3D modelling, sensor technology, micro controllers and digital design.

Assembled game prototypes are showcased at an Indie Convention, which provides an opportunity for students to interact with fellow game designers and collaborate on a variety of STEM Arcade games.

Success Criteria

  • Develop a game prototype using computer programming
  • Demonstrate a STEM principal through game design
  • Explain the process and experience for developing a game prototype
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Two Day Program Schedule

Prework

5-7 Hours
Students will also investigate the expansion of the video game industry and its STEM careers. Fundamentals of good game design - game loops, core mechanics, immersion, challenge and interaction.

Day One

Ideation
On day one at the Tech School, students start by ideating on their prework and begin their prototyping phase of the design thinking process by learning the capabilities and limitations of MakeCode Arcade and sketch their arcade case.

Day Two

Prototyping
On day two, students dive deeper into prototyping using the skills gained during their first day onsite at the Tech School to develop their games and build their cabinet to aid with immersion.

Post Visit

After visiting the Tech School, students review their time spent onsite and reflect on the skills they have learned

Prework

5-7 Hours
Students will also investigate the expansion of the video game industry and its STEM careers. Fundamentals of good game design - game loops, core mechanics, immersion, challenge and interaction.

Day One

Ideation
On day one at the Tech School, students start by ideating on their prework and begin their prototyping phase of the design thinking process by learning the capabilities and limitations of MakeCode Arcade and sketch their arcade case.

Day Two

Prototyping
On day two, students dive deeper into prototyping using the skills gained during their first day onsite at the Tech School to develop their games and build their cabinet to aid with immersion.

Post Visit

After visiting the Tech School, students review their time spent onsite and reflect on the skills they have learned
Note: Schedule is approximate. On site activities at the Tech School may be affected if sufficient pre-work has not been completed
Technology Skill Ups Available
Hardware Icon

Microcontrollers

Microcontrollers are widely used to power small form factor devices. This skill up will introduce students to microcontrollers and how to program them to suit their functional requirements.

Arts Light

Digital Design

Using industry current software students will learn the art of illustration design; from line and shape tools, to gradients and collage creation. Illustrations can also be used to create paths for laser cutters and CNC routers.

Technology Light

Sensor Technology

From automatic doors to step counters, sensor technology is widely used across society. The sensor technology skill up will provide the skills required to create fixed or wearable sensor devices to meet the determined design requirements.

Introduction to Coding Thumbnail

Introduction to Coding

Learn the fundamentals of programming with easy to use block building systems to quickly master the basics of variables, conditional code and loops.